30 April 2013
Vol. XIII
In this Issue:
1- Multilateral Fund Approves Landmark Project for China with Ozone and Climate Benefits
2- Reducing Air Pollution, Chemical Coolants Can Quickly Cut Sea-Level Rise
3- Mexico HCFC Reduction Goal
4- Gov't Focuses on Renewable Energy for Smaller Hotels (Jamaica)
5- EPA Ozone-Depleter Allocation Rules Revised (USA)
6- Participate in the Old Refrigerator Energy Awareness Contest at UW
7- DENR Revises Code for Refrigeration, Aircon Industries (Philippines)
8- NCCD (India) and CEMAFROID (France) Sign MOU for Cold-chain Development
9- Russia and UNEP Sign Agreement to Strengthen Partnership
10- Environmentalists to Lodge Complaint Against State for CFC Failings (Portugal)
11-Sustainable Architecture: Absorption Chillers Cool Transformed Reichstag
12- HM the King Issues Six Decrees (Bahrain)
13- Ozone Layer Protection Law Soon (GCC)
Special Announcement /
OzonAction Webinar Series
Upcoming Session on: "A5 Countries Readiness for MB Phase-out by 1st January 2015:
Addressing the Challenges of Sustainability", Tuesday 7 May 2013, 11:00 EST (Paris,
GMT+01:00) Read more | Register Now
Networking for Elimination of Damaging HCFC Chemicals in Asia
Pacific Joint Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers of Asia Pacific, 6-9
May 2013, Gold Coast, Australia
With the theme ―Partnership in Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase–out in Asia and the
Pacific,‖ National Ozone Officers representing all countries in the region together with international,
regional and industry representatives will meet in Australia 6 to 9 May 2013. In the context of
adopting technologies that are energy efficient, climate and ozone friendly, the agenda will address the national
challenges and requirements to sustainably manage the controlled measures for HCFC in accordance with the
Montreal Protocol for the phase out of ozone depleting substances (ODS). This meeting is jointly organized by UNEP
OzonAction and the Government of Australia and with support from the United States Environmental Protection
Agency.
Contact: UNEP OzonAction CAP-ROAP
Atul Bagai, [email protected] , Artie Dubrie, [email protected], Shaofeng Hu, [email protected]
See also > UNEP/DTIE OzonAction Programme - Schedule of Events
Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps
Second International Conference, Bangkok, United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok,
Thailand, June 29 – 30, 2013. This conference is being sponsored by the United Nations
Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Climate and Clean Air
Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, the United States of America, the European
Commission, and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy on the weekend following the
meeting of the Montreal Protocol Open-Ended Working Group. This event is an effort to share
information and expertise on various alternatives and approaches to ensure that the phase-outs of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are done in such a way as to limit the climate
contribution of high-global warming potential (GWP) materials.
Registration is free. Visit www.BangkokTechConference.org to learn more and to register
GLOBAL
1- Multilateral Fund Approves Landmark Project for China with
Ozone and Climate Benefits - Up to US $385 million of funding over
the next 17 years
In a landmark decision the Multilateral Fund‘s Executive Committee has agreed to provide China, the largest producer
and consumer of HCFCs, an amount up to US $385 million for the entire elimination of its industrial production of
ozone depleting substances (ODS) by the year 2030. China has not only agreed to retire its current HCFC production
capacity but will also retire surplus production capacity that is currently not utilized. HCFCs, as well as being the last
remaining ozone depleting substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and to be funded by the Multilateral Fund,
are also greenhouse gases. According to a statement by the Government of China the total amount of HCFCs to be
eliminated over the period to 2030 will prevent the emission of over 4.3 million metric tonnes of HCFCs, equal to
300,000 tonnes in terms of its ozone depletion potential, and 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse
gas emissions. This is potentially the largest project approved so far under the Multilateral Fund since its inception.
China will close and dismantle its production lines producing only HCFCs for uses controlled under the Montreal
Protocol and ensure that any HCFC plants that will receive funding do not switch to producing HCFCs as industrial
feedstock, a use not controlled by the Montreal Protocol. China will also coordinate with stakeholders and make best
efforts to manage HCFC production and associated by-product production in HCFC plants in accordance with best
practices to minimize associated climate impacts. Over the next four years China will receive US $95 million to cover
the first stage of its HCFC production phase-out management plan (HPPMP) to assist the country to meet the freeze in
HCFC production by 2013 and the reduction by 10 per cent by 2015 as required by the Montreal Protocol‘s HCFC
phase-out schedule. The Multilateral Fund‘s accountable and transparent structure will ensure that China‘s
performance under the HPPMP will be verified before further annual tranches are released and any interest earned by
China on the amounts received will be offset against future tranches of funding.
The latest data shows that China produces 92 per cent of the total HCFC production of developing countries. China‘s
HCFCs are supplied to the world‘s refrigeration, air conditioning and foam manufacturing sectors and also used as
solvents and to some extent for fire protection equipment and the sterilization of medical devices. The phase-out of
HCFC production in China is thus fundamental to ensure the compliance of all developing countries with the Montreal
Protocol and the overall success of the Protocol.
Background:
The Montreal Protocol sets specific time bound targets to reduce and eventually phase-out the consumption and
production of chemicals that damage the ozone layer (ozone depleting substances or ODS) in both developed and
developing countries. The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol was established to provide
financial and technical cooperation, including the transfer of technologies to Parties operating under paragraph 1 of
Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol, Article 5 countries, to enable their compliance with the Montreal Protocol‘s targets.
Article 5 countries are developing country Parties whose annual per capita consumption and production of CFCs and
halons is less than 0.3 kg per capita on the date of entry into force of the Montreal Protocol or any time thereafter until
1 January 1999. There are currently 148 countries categorized as operating under Article 5 paragraph 1 of the
Montreal Protocol (September 2012).
The Multilateral Fund is managed by an Executive Committee which is responsible for overseeing the operation of the
Fund. The Committee comprises seven members from developed and seven members from developing countries. In
2013 the Committee membership includes Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Japan, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America (developed countries) and India, Kuwait, Mali,
Nicaragua, Serbia Uganda and Uruguay (developing country members) . Ms. Fiona Walters (United Kingdom) serves
as Chair and Mr. Vladan Zdravkovic (Serbia) serves as Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee for one year beginning
1 January 2013. The Committee is assisted by the Fund Secretariat which is based in Montreal, Canada. Activities are
implemented by four international agencies (UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, World Bank) and a number of bilateral
government agencies.
Since 1991, the Multilateral Fund has approved activities including industrial conversion, technical assistance, training
and capacity building worth approximately US $3 billion that will result in the phase out of more than 460,000 ODP
tonnes of consumption and production of ODS in developing countries.
In September 2007 the Parties to the Montreal Protocol decided to accelerate the freeze and phase-out of
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are ozone-depleting substances (ODS) with a
significant global-warming potential. The Montreal Protocol requires Article 5 country Parties to gradually phase-out
HCFCs starting from 2013 with a freeze in consumption and production, a 10 per cent reduction by 2015, 35 per cent
reduction by 2020, a 67.5 per cent reduction by 2025 resulting in the complete phase-out of HCFC consumption and
production by 2030 while allowing an amount of 2.5 per cent for the servicing of existing refrigeration and air
conditioning equipment during the period 2030 to 2040. The Multilateral Fund intends to finance HCFC phase out in
th
the countries eligible for its financial and technical assistance. As at the 69 meeting of the Executive Committee that
took place from 15 to 19 April 2013 in Montreal (Canada), 138 Article 5 countries have national plans to phase-out
HCFCs in place.
Contact: Julia Anne Dearing, Information Management Officer, Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, 22 April 2013, http://bit.ly/11zmkPL
See Also >>>
L'ONU aidera la Chine à cesser de produire des gaz HCFC, Le Monde, 24.avril.2013
2- Reducing Air Pollution, Chemical Coolants Can Quickly Cut SeaLevel Rise
Washington, DC 14 April 2013 – Sea-level rise—a growing threat that washes away
beaches, attacks costal development, and raises the platform for launching ever
more damaging and deadly storm surges—can be cut significantly by reducing local
air pollution from black carbon, methane, and tropospheric ozone, along with
factorymade coolants called HFCs.
This is the conclusion of a multi-year research effort led by Professor V. Ramanathan at Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, published online 14 April by Nature Climate Change. The study
calculated that the annual rate of sea-level rise could be reduced up to 24% by 2100 by controlling these four climate
pollutants, and that cumulative sea-level rise could be reduced by 22%.
‗It is still not too late to avoid disastrous climate changes,‖ stated study-lead, Dr. Ramanathan. ―If we stabilize CO2
concentrations below 450 ppm by 2100 and simultaneously reduce SLCPs, we can limit the end-of-century warming
by 50% and keep below the 2°C (3.6°F)safety guardrail, from the projected 4°C (7.2°F).‖
These four climate pollutants are collectively known as ―short-lived climate pollutants‖ because they clear out of the
atmosphere in a matter of days to a decade and a half. Previous research by Dr. Ramanathan and a follow-on study
by the United Nations Environment Programme & the World Meteorological Organization showed that cutting SLCPs,
using existing technologies and institutions in most cases, can cut the rate of climate change by half or more by
midcentury.
The current study calculates the significant additional benefits that SLCP mitigation can provide by the end of the
century—a critical 1.1°C reduction in future warming. This is the same avoided warming aggressive carbon dioxide
mitigation can produce in this period. Cutting both SLCPs and CO2 can avoid 2.3°C of warming and keep the Planet
under the 2°C guardrail according to the study, and reduce the rate of sea-level rise by up to 50%, with SLCP‘s
providing two-thirds of the reductions.
―Combined mitigation will reduce the cumulative sea level rise by about 30% (from the projected 0.5 m to 2 m/ 1.5 ft
to 6.2 ft),‖ added Dr. Ramanathan. ―It is encouraging that SLCPs contribute about half of the warming reduction and
about two-thirds of the sea level rise reduction, since we have technologies to reduce them. Without CO2 stabilization
below 450 ppm, however, both the warming and sea level can rise to dangerous levels beyond 2100."
The damage from rising seas and higher storm surges is one of the most visible and costly effects of climate change.
Populations and infrastructure of coastal cities will become more vulnerable to flooding and storm surges, which are
also expected to become more frequent and stronger as global temperatures rise. Indirect impacts can include impacts
on job markets and tax revenue, and changes in population and migration. According to a 2010 OECD study, a rise in
sea-levels of only three feet (1 meter) by 2070 puts at risk 150 million people and $35 trillion in assets in just 20 of the
world‘s most vulnerable and fastest growing port cities, more than half of which are in developing Asian countries.
―This ground-breaking study provides the blueprint for climate justice this century,‖ stated Durwood Zaelke, President
of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development. ―Cutting these air pollutants and chemical coolants can
cut warming in half for many decades, and is essential for protecting vulnerable people and places this century,‖ he
added. ―Failure to cut SLCPs will halt the impressive gains in poverty reduction of the past few decades,‖ Zaelke said,
―and drive millions more into extreme poverty.‖
Because three SLCPs are potent air pollutants, cutting them can save millions of lives every year, while significantly
increasing crop yields, making this important for promoting sustainable development. In South Asia, for example, air
pollution is the leading preventable cause of disease, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization.
"We need an all of the above approach to controlling greenhouse gases. Cutting carbon emissions is critical, but we
also need to take advantage of the very substantial short term gains that can be achieved by cutting emissions of noncarbon climate pollutants," stated study co-author Claudia Tebaldi of Climate Central. ―Readily achievable reductions
of non-carbon dioxide pollutants would do far more to slow sea level rise this century than actions to reduce carbon
emissions alone, protecting millions of people and billions of dollars of real estate from rising seas," she added.
Based upon data from the U.S. Geological Survey and NOAA, without engineering protection, five feet of sea-level
rise could permanently flood 94% of Miami beach, 88% of New Orleans, 7% of New York City, 63% of Atlantic City,
20% of Jersey City, 68% of Galveston TX, 6% of San Francisco, and 4% of Seattle. Approximately 2.6 million homes
and 5 million people reside on land less than four feet above high tide in the U.S.; approximately 50% of those people
are in the state of Florida.
The study found that delaying mitigation of SLCPs by 25 years will decrease the impact of CO2 and SLCP mitigation,
and will make it difficult if not impossible to keep warming below 2°C by the end of the century. Delayed action on
SLCPs could increase sea-level rise by up to 11%.
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) is the first-ever global effort
specifically dedicated to reducing emissions of SLCPs, and has already undertaken seven fast-action initiatives
designed to mobilize resources and accelerate global action on SLCPs.
The sea-level report drew heavily from the data collected by Project ABC, a United Nations sponsored study of
pollution masses known as atmospheric brown clouds, which are especially prevalent in South Asia. SLCPs are the
main component of brown clouds emitted primarily from biomass burning, diesel emissions, and methane from
landfills.
The study co-authors include: Aixue Hu and Warren M. Washington of the US National Center for Atmospheric
Research, and Yangyang Xu of Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Contact: Erin Tulley, [email protected]
A summary of the study is here.
A background note on damage from sea-level rise is here.
The CCAC website is here.
IGSD‘s Primer on Short-Lived Climate Pollutantsis here
SOURCE: IGSD, 14 April 2013, http://bit.ly/YjESHg
AFRICA
UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme, Regional Office
Africa launched The Ozone Protection Award for Customs &
Enforcement Officers aimed at ―Recognizing outstanding contributions by
Customs and Enforcement Officers".
– Call for Entry –
The deadline for submission is 31 August 2013
Click here to download the entry form/criteria in both English and French
LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN
3- Mexico HCFC Reduction Goal
On March 31, the Environment Secretariat of Mexico announced the country will attempt to reduce
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 30 percent by 2018 and to reduce fluorinated gas emissions by an unspecified
target. Both HCFCs and fluorinated gases are used as refrigerants, and fluorinated gases are also used in air
conditioning and foam manufacturing. They are both known to contribute to global warming.
SOURCE: Lexology, 8 April 2013, Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC, David Leiter, Bryan M. Stockton,
Jordan M. Collins and R. Neal Martin, http://bit.ly/108GXqJ
4- Gov't Focuses on Renewable Energy for Smaller Hotels (Jamaica)
Some $15 million has been set aside in the 2013-14 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of
Representatives, to improve the competitiveness of small and medium-size hotels through the use of renewable
energy.
The Caribbean Hotel Energy and Action Project is a carry-over from the last fiscal year, and is being implemented by
the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, with funding through the Inter-American Development Bank.
Initial targets envisaged for the project include a review of energy consumption practices in the hotel sector;
developing an investment plan for improving energy efficiency in the tourism sector; and developing efficiency models
for hotels in Jamaica.
It is anticipated that during the 2013-14 fiscal year, the energy efficiency models will be developed and there will be
energy audits and walk-through assessments for the sector.
Other targets for the year include having a project launch with stakeholders, administrators and funding agencies; and
conducting audits for ozone depleting substances.
In February 2013, a steering committee was established and a project manager engaged.
SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner, 11 April 2013, http://bit.ly/YjEOqW
NORTH AMERICA
5- EPA Ozone-Depleter Allocation Rules Revised (USA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule April 3, 2013, adjusting regulatory baseline
consumption allowances for ozone-depleting chemicals and reinstating the ability to transfer baseline allocations
between different substances within a company. 78 Fed. Reg. 20,004 (4/3/13). The revision responds to a case that
challenged EPA‘s 2009 rule revisions. Before 2009, the rule evidently allowed affected entities to transfer their
baseline allowances to different chemicals through transfers either within the company or with other companies. The
2009 rule eliminated the credit for transfers that occur within the same company. A court ruled that this operated
retroactively because it changed some companies‘ baseline allocations by eliminating the intra-company conversions
that had been credited to them under the prior regulations. The April 2013 rule reinstates the ability to consider intracompany chemical transfers and revises the numerical consumption allowances for several companies‘ baseline
allowances through 2014.
SOURCE: Lexology, 12 April 2013, By: Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP, David Erickson and Mark Anstoetter,
http://bit.ly/Z282ZU
6- Participate in the Old Refrigerator Energy Awareness Contest at UW
April 8, 2013 — Those old refrigerators on the University of Wyoming campus waste energy, cost
a lot of money to maintain and may even pose an ozone hazard.
Recognizing this, the UW Sustainability Committee has launched a friendly competition to get rid
of those old refrigerators, and will reward a new Energy Star model refrigerator to the worst
offender.
The committee presents some facts to show how old refrigerators waste money and increase the
university‘s climate footprint:
-- The Environmental Protection Agency reports that pre-1980 refrigerators use $177 worth of
electricity annually, while a new Energy Star model refrigerator will use $33 annually.
-- Old refrigerators most likely contain ozone-depleting CFCs that are especially dangerous to the
ozone layer, and must be properly reclaimed.
To participate in the ―Old Refrigerator‖ Energy Awareness Contest:
-- Take a picture and write a brief description of your UW-owned ―Old Refrigerator‖ (made before 1990 and minimum
capacity of 18 cubic feet).
-- Email submission by May 3 to Milton Geiger at: [email protected].
By May 15, Campus Sustainability Committee members will select the worst offender to receive the new Energy Star
model refrigerator.
-- The ―Old Refrigerator‖ will be removed and recycled.
-- All entries will be offered free removal of unneeded units.
What you can do after the contest:
-- Consolidate refrigerators in offices, common spaces, kitchens and non-commercial lab spaces.
-- Remove and recycle UW refrigerators/freezers by calling the Physical Plant movers at 766-2409. To remove
personal refrigerators, contact Rocky Mountain Power.
SOURCE: University of Wyoming, 8 April 2013, http://bit.ly/ZxI4hh
ASIA PACIFIC
7- DENR Revises Code for Refrigeration, Aircon Industries (Philippines)
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has launched a new
code that sets Earth-friendly standards and practices for manufacturers, dealers, and sellers of
refrigerators and air conditioners in the Philippines.
The new code of practice for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector is a revision of the original code crafted in
2002 incorporating new practices and technologies that leave less carbon footprint on the environment, the DENR
said. In a statement, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) director Juan Miguel Cuna said the 2002 code was
revised to guide the refrigeration and air conditioning industry on updated procedures and complement shifting
technologies.
―It is time to upgrade procedures on refrigeration and air conditioning. With advancement in technology come the need
to introduce new practices that would enable us not only to protect but also to prevent damage to the environment,‖ he
said. The EMB introduced the new code in a ceremony at the Quezon City Sports Club attended by participants from
the industry, including manufacturers, importers, dealers, sellers and service providers of refrigerators and air
conditioners.
The event was organized by the National CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) Phase-out Plan-Project Management Unit of the
EMB. A core group of technical experts, who worked on the revisions, presented the salient points of the revised code
at the launch. Copies of the new code were also turned over to the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (Tesda), headed by Joel Villanueva, and the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technicians Association of
the Philippines (Ractap).
The Tesda will integrate the revised code in its curriculum for refrigeration and air conditioning servicing courses.
The Ractap, a newly-formed organization, will use the material as reference guide for its registered members. Its
members also signed a pledge of commitment to adopt the guidelines in the revised code as part of the efforts toward
an ―ODS (ozone-depleting substances)-free Philippines.‖ The revised code contains new standard practices on the
conversion of refrigerants and the use of alternatives to CFCs and other ODS, as well as on handling, storage,
recovery, recycling, collection, transport and disposal of refrigerants.
Cuna advised the public to buy only products that have been certified CFC-free, and to go only to service shops,
technicians and dealers that are duly accredited by regulatory agencies.
The Philippines has been implementing the total phaseout of ODS in refrigeration and air conditioning systems,
including industrial, mobile and residential types, as part of its commitment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
As of 2010, the country has already completely phased out production and consumption of seven out of eight ODS,
including CFCs which are widely used as refrigerants. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs, the last ODS on the list,
will be phased out gradually starting this year and will be completely banned by 2040.
SOURCE: Philippine Daily Inquirer, 19 April 2013, By DJ Yap, http://bit.ly/XUtGAC
8- NCCD (India) and CEMAFROID (France) sign MOU for Cold-chain
Development.
National Center for Cold-chain Development (NCCD) of India signs
Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CEMAFROID of France to jointly
develop services of excellence, tailored to the needs of cold chain industry.
rd
On the 3 of April the Indian delegation led by Mr. Sanjeev Chopra (Joint Secy
Agriculture, GOI) attended the International Conference for Cold-chain at Paris,
France. This conference was organized at the UIC Conference Center in Paris
by IIR, CEMAFROID, AFF and Irstea. India was invited as the Guest of Honor at
this conference and the Chief Advisor of NCCD addressed the plenary session
at this conference, exemplifying the challenges and successes of India‘s coldchain.
rd
On the evening of the 3 of April a MoU between NCCD and CEMAFROID was
penned, marking the beginning of a long term association between the two organizations and a further step in the
implementation of Indo-French Joint Agriculture Working Group. The Indian delegation for the signing ceremony
comprised Mr.Sanjeev Chopra (Joint Secy Agriculture and Director NCCD), Mr. Indra Mani Pandey (Ambassador of
India to France) and Mr. Pawanexh Kohli (Chief Advisor, NCCD). The dignitaries from France for the signing ceremony
included Mr. Philippe Vincon (co-chair of the Indo-French Joint working Group on Agriculture from Ministry of
Agriculture), Mr. Gérald Cavalier (President CEMAFROID), Mr. Patrick Antoine (President AFF), Mr. Didier Coulomb
(Director IIR), Mr. Cédric Prévost (Counsellor Agriculture to Embassy of France in India) and M. Eric Devin (Director at
CEMAFROID).
This MoU is a remarkable milestone and is expected to lead to more active interaction between India and France in
the field of cold-chain through knowledge sharing, technology development and capacity building. It is also expected
that such close working will lead to greater business interactions in the industry and mutual investments in the field.
nd
The 2 IIR conference on cold-chain focused on Sustainable development and future technologies. The conference
was inaugurated by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture of France and involved a series of workshops over two
days. The participants to this conference were from over 30 countries, from global scientific and business
communities.
Contact : Vincent Moizan, assistant communication Cemafroid, [email protected]
-- A French version of this article was included in OzoNews 15 April issue --
EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
9- Russia and UNEP Sign Agreement to Strengthen Partnership
The agreement was signed by UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation,
Sergey Donskoy.
Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, and Sergey Donskoy, Minister of
Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, following
the signing of the bilateral agreement.
Nairobi, 16 April 2013 - The partnership between the Russian Federation and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) was strengthened today with the signing of a bilateral agreement, covering priority areas such as
the conservation of biological diversity, addressing the environmental aspects of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, and
the environmental challenges facing the Arctic.
The agreement was signed by UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and Minister of Natural Resources and
Environment of the Russian Federation, Sergey Donskoy.
"UNEP welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen and develop our longstanding partnership with the Russian
Federation. The programmes and priorities in the agreement signed today provide new focus and momentum for
addressing environmental issues in the context of Russia's future economic development," said Achim Steiner, UN
Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director.
With the signing of the agreement, UNEP and the Russian Federation will cooperate to also support shared
environmental protection priorities such as:
- Support to the development of the "green economy";
- The application of "green standards" and of ecologically safe best available technologies;
- Water resources management, protection of water bodies, marine and coastal environment from the adverse
anthropogenic impact;
- Regulation of the use of chemicals, utilization and processing of wastes;
cooperation for the purposes of the further implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and
- Capacity-Building, making use of the Russian expert potential;
- Sustainable production and consumption;
- informing and raising public awareness on environmental protection issues;
- Assistance to the implementation of environmental agreements and programmes.
Russia has been both a longstanding partner and donor to UNEP. Last year, the Russian Federation increased its
contribution to the UNEP Environment Fund to US$1.5 million in 2013 and 2014.
"The increased funding is a vote of confidence in UNEP's ability to achieve results, whether by working with UN
agencies to mainstream environmental sustainability into development policies or by providing guidance to nations on
their environmental challenges," added Mr. Steiner.
UNEP has also been designated as the Programme Coordination Agency for the Arctic Agenda 2020, a Russiangovernment project, co-funded by the Global Environment Facility and the Russian Federation, for protecting the Arctic
region. The Programme, launched in 2011, aims to improve the sustainable development of the Arctic and meet the
challenges of the region's rapidly changing climate. The initiative addresses energy efficiency, renewable energy
development, protected areas, and transboundary marine systems, among other issues.
In 2008, UNEP was invited by the Russian Government and the Organizing Committee of the Sochi 2014 Olympic
Games to provide guidance on the integration of environmental considerations in the preparation and staging of the
Winter Games. Last year, UNEP and partners proposed close to 90 projects designed to minimize the impact of
infrastructure developments around the Sochi National Park area, where the Games will take place.
Contact: Nick Nuttall, Director, UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information, [email protected]
SOURCE: UNEP, 16 April 2013, http://bit.ly/ZAXr3P
10- Environmentalists to Lodge Complaint Against State
for CFC Failings (Portugal)
The environmental campaign group Quercus said it intends to lodge a
complaint with the European Comission and United Nations against the
Portuguese state for lack of rigour in the monitoring of chemicals that
destroy the ozone layer.
The group "detected very serious discrepancies" between data from
the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), which oversees the
monitoring of pollution, and Quercus's own survey of the quantities of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) sent for treatment by Amb3E and ERP,
the two organisations that are licensed to oversee their processing,
the group's spokesman Pedro Quarteiro told Lusa.
After six months awaiting a response from the secretary of state for environment on the matter, he said, Quercus had
decided to lodge a complaint against the Portuguese state for failing to adequately monitor the treatment CFCs in line
with international regulations. Complaints could be lodged with the European Commission and the United Nations,
which organised the convention on CFCs, molecules that have long been identified as the main factor in destruction of
the ozone layer.
This results in more ultraviolet rays reaching the Earth's surface, thus increasing the prevalence of cataracts and skin
cancer, as well as disrupting eco-systems. Questioned on the matter, the APA said it is "monitoring the situation with a
view to ensuring that steps are taken that are seen to be necessary."
It said the issue is to be taken into account in the revision currently underway of the licences of the bodies charged
with managing treatment.
According to Quercus, in 2010, only one of the country's three recycling units sent significant amounts of CFCs
abroad for treatment, prompting the group to question what happened to the CFC allegedly treated by the other two
units
In 2011, the information gathered by Quercus indicate that some 4 tonnes less were recycled than APA data appear
to show.
SOURCE: The Portugal News Online, 28 April 2013, By: TPN/ LUSA, HTTP://BIT.LY/ZTN13J
11- Sustainable Architecture: Absorption Chillers
Cool Transformed Reichstag
The sustainable redevelopment of the German Parliament
building provides a prime example of how absorption chillers
can contribute to sustainable architecture projects. The
Reichstag building, which now incorporates solar panels,
combined heat and power units that run on biodiesel, a waste
heat reservoir and absorption chillers, has resulted in a 94%
reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
The Reichstag building in Berlin is the seat of the Bundestag,
the lower house of the legislature. Originally built in 1884, it
was heavily damaged during the infamous Reichstagsbrand of
1933, when the Nazis set it on fire. It was restored after the war and in 1999, to celebrate unified Germany. British
architect Sir Norman Foster designed the new building, including its now-iconic glass dome. The building
transformation is now a leading example how a combination of environmentally friendly installations, such as
absorption chillers, can drastically improve the energy efficiency of public buildings.
Absorption coolers utilise the excess heat produced by CHP units
2
In Reichstag building, which covers a total floor area of approx. 240,000 m , three absorption chillers are used during
the summer to cool the building. The surplus heat resulting from operation of the motor-driven cogeneration plants is
stored as hot water in an aquifer deep below ground that can either be pumped up to heat the building or used to drive
an absorption cooling plant to produce chilled water. The system includes an 850 kilowatt absorption device to provide
cooling during July or August if needed, and which can function as a heat pump during the.
Thanks to the chillers and other green technologies, the building‘s energy requirements are so small that it produces
more energy than it consumes, allowing it to act as a mini power station supplying nearby government buildings.
Primary energy usage 57 % lower than EPBD requirements
The Reichstag has a primary energy use of 57 % lower than the requirements for existing buildings in the Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and even 39% than the requirements for new buildings. The total primary
2
energy use for heating, hot water, ventilation, cooling and lighting of the building accumulates to 270,9 kWh/m a.
Other sustainable design features of Reichstag
The Reichstag redevelopment incorporated a radical approach to sustainable design in order to reflect the German
Parliament‘s vigorous environmental agenda, following Germany‘s reunification. In addition to the use of absorption
chillers the Reichstag incorporates:
Renewable energy: is supplied by clean, refined vegetable oil bio-fuel, which is burned in a cogeneration plant to
produce electricity.
Natural ventilation: in the chamber using fresh air drawn up by the cone through the chimney effect.
Heat exchangers: recover and reutilise warm air not expelled through the dome.
‘Intelligent windows’: comprise manually operated inner layer and security-laminated outer layer, which draw in fresh
air via ventilation joints.
Chilled ceilings: Cold water is stored below ground to provide cooling via chilled ceilings in hot weather.
2
Photovoltaics: photovoltaic cells cover 3000m on south roof.
SOURCE: r718.com, 18 April 2013, http://bit.ly/12Pn9Wx
WEST ASIA
12- HM the King Issues Six Decrees (Bahrain)
Among Royal Decrees issued April 29 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Decree
32, HM the King ratified the Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer, concluded on 16 September 1987.
SOURCE: Bahrain News Agency (BNA), 29 April 2013,
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/558676
13- Ozone Layer Protection Law Soon (GCC)
A new law that protects the ozone layer will soon be referred to the National
Assembly. The unified GCC bill was presented by Municipalities and Urban
Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi during yesterday's Cabinet session
and will now be revised by the ministerial committee for legal affairs. "The new
bill has legalisation that will oblige all GCC states to get rid of all substances that
damage the ozone layer and have it replaced with other safer alternatives," said
Minister of State for Information Affairs and the official government
spokeswoman Sameera Rajab yesterday. "It will also organise the import and
export of machines and apparatus ensuring that what gets brought in doesn't harm the ozone layer in a bid to control
everything that possess as a potential danger."Directives to draw up the law were issued by GCC leaders during the
summit held in Bahrain last December.
SOURCE : Gulf Daily news, 22 April 2013, http://bit.ly/15AWrot
FEATURED
Ozone Secretariat Highlights >>> http://ozone.unmfs.org/new_site/en/index.php
> 33 OEWG: Handbook on Critical Use Nominations for Methyl Bromide - Draft Version 7.1
> 33 OEWG: Proposed amendment to the Montreal Protocol submitted by Canada, Mexico and the United
States of America - UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/33/3
> 33 OEWG: Proposed amendment to the Montreal Protocol submitted by the Federated States of Micronesia UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/33/4 - (Replaced on 17 April 2013 for technical reasons)
> 33 OEWG: Pre-Registration Form
> 33 OEWG: Provisional Agenda (A, C, E, F, R, S)
> 33 OEWG: Application Form for Side Events
> 33 OEWG: Information Note for Participants
> IMPCOM 49: Report of the Implementation Committee under the Non Compliance Procedure for the Montreal
Protocol on the work of its forty ninth meeting - UNEP/OzL.Pro/ImpCom/49/5/Rev.1 - (A, C,E, F, R,S)
> BUR: Report of the meeting of the Bureau of the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer - UNEP/OzL.Pro.23/Bur.1/3 - (A, C, E, F, R, S)
> MOP 24: Report of the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer - UNEP/OzL.Pro.24/10 - (A, C, E, F, R, S)
> Dates and Venues of Montreal Protocol Meetings in 2013
> TEAP/Technical Options Committees Meetings- Dates and Venues for 2013
The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol >>>
http://www.multilateralfund.org
> The 50th Meeting of the Implementation Committee Under the Non-Compliance Procedure of the Montreal
Protocol will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, 21 - 22 June 2013.
> The 33rd Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol will take place in
Bangkok, Thailand, 24 - 28 June 2013.
See http://ozone.unep.org/new_site/en/historical_meetings.php for details.
Highlights from OzonAction >>> http://www.unep.org/ozonaction/
> Follow OzonAction on
> Montreal Protocol e-Learning Module - UNEP DTIE‘s OzonAction Branch and the World
Customs Organization collaborated to develop the Montreal Protocol e-learning module. This
interactive online training module, based on UNEP‘s Training Manual for Customs Officers, presents
the latest information on the international policy governing the control and monitoring of Ozone
Depleting Substances, as well as an overview of the technical issues including new information on
chemicals and products traded and how these may be smuggled. The module is periodically updated
to take into account the developments in international trade and provides new material to reflect the
changes in the Montreal Protocol, the Harmonized Systems codes, licensing systems and other relevant information. Once
registered, users of the Montreal Protocol e-learning module can follow the course at their own pace and obtain a certificate
after successfully completing it. The module is also ideal as an introductory course prior to attending UNEP‘s Customs
training workshops and is also a great refresher course for experienced officers.
Ho w to register - Customs and Enforcement officers: contact your country‘s national coordinator for the World
Customs Organization to register: http://e-learning.wcoomd.org/hosting/Learning/Coordinators.pdf
or contact the WCO E-learning team: [email protected]
National Ozone Officers who wish to use the course: Contact your UNEP OzonAction Regional Office.
> UNEP/DTIE OzonAction Programme - Schedule of Events
6-9 May 2013, Joint Meeting of the Pacific Island Countries (PIC) and South East Asia (SEAP) Networks of Ozone Officers,
Venue: Gold Coast, Australia, Contact: Hu Shaofeng
9 May 2013, Standards Workshop for Pacific Islands Countries (PIC), South Asia (SA) and South East Asia Networks of Ozone
Officers, Contact: Hu Shaofeng
12-13 May 2013, Workshop on Management and Operations of HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs)
Venue: Bahrain, Contact: Adulelah Al-Wadaee
13-16 May 2013, Main Meeting of the Africa English-Speaking Network of Ozone Officers (HPMP) Implementation and
steps towards the 2013 and 2015 HCFC targets, Venue: Banjul, Gambia, Contact: Patrick Salifu
14-15 May 2013,
Main Meeting of the West Asia Network of Ozone Officers, Venue: Bahrain, Contact: Adulelah Al-Wadaee
21-23 May 2013,
Halvart Koppen
Meeting
of
the ECA
Network of
Ozone
Officers,
Venue:
Ohrid,
FYR
Macedonia,
Contact:
24 May 2013, ECA Workshop for Designers and Architects to inform on HVAC Applications, Venue: Ohrid, FYR Macedonia,
Contact: Halvart Koppen
Click here to see full list of upcoming OzonAction CAP schedule of events
READING >>>
> The Montreal Protocol and the Green
Economy - The Montreal Protocol offers a good
example of how international cooperation in
solving a global environmental problem can have
significant spill over benefits that promote a
Greener Economy
> Fluorocarbon Industry Economic
Analysis – Report Prepared by:
Joseph M. Steed, JMS Consulting, April
29, 2013 Executive Summary - The broad United
States fluorocarbon industry contributes an
estimated $158 billion in shipments and services to
> How to Tell if a Pallet is Safe to Re- the country‘s economy. This output is generated by approximately
729,000 employees with an industry-wide payroll of $32 billion. An
use
[…The safety factor of your pallet depends on
which country it is from and which procedures
have been used on them to make them
suitable for international shipping…]
Understanding AC Refrigerant Standards
analysis of multiple fluorocarbon-using industries developed these
estimates based on data from the 2007 US Economic Census,
supplemented by information from industry experts…
Contact: Dave Stirpe, [email protected]
SOURCE: Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy,
www.alliancepolicy.org
New Horizons for AC Refrigerants
> Research on the flammability hazards of an air
conditioner using refrigerant R-290
Wang Zhanga, b, Zhao Yanga, Jin Lib, Chang-xing Renb, Dong
Lvb, Jie Wangb, Xin Zhangb, Wei Wub
a Tianjin University, Tianjin, NO. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District,
Tianjin, P.R.China
b Tianjin Fire Research Institute of MPS, NO. 110 Weijinnan Road,
Nankai District, Tianjin, P.R.China
Highlights
•Different hazards of R-290 applied as a refrigerant are studied.
•R-290 concentrations arising from a leak under different scenarios were measured.
•Developments of concentrations which may approach the LFL are found.
•The severity of a secondary fire from ignition of a leaked R-290 is emphasized.
•The effect of an external fire which ignites an R-290 air conditioner is shown.
Abstract
Currently, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons are the most common refrigerants used for air conditioners. Due
to ozone depletion and high global warming potential, environmentally benign options such as hydrocarbons are under
consideration. Whilst R-290 (propane) has favourable system performance, environmental characteristics and cost, it is a
flammable substance, thereby posing additional risks. This study addresses the associated flammability concerns through a
number of risk-related sub-studies. These include evaluating the distribution of R-290 following a leak in room, overpressure
arising from ignition of a flammable mixture, severity of a secondary fire and total heat release rate in the event of an external
fire imposed upon an R-290 system. It is found that the possibility of refrigerant existing within the flammable range is limited
only to the region very close to the indoor unit. Besides, low overpressures in the event of ignition and limited additional heat
flux in the event of external fire were registered.
MEETINGS / EVENTs >>>
- 2013 th
> First Announcement and Call for Papers – 5 International Conference, Ammonia
Refrigeration Technology, IIR Commissions: B2 with B1, D1. 9-11 May 2013, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia,
Learn more > http://bit.ly/MOjcHD
> Final Conference CityChlor, 16-17 May 2013 Ghent, Belgium – The
partners of the CityChlor project present the final conference of the CityChlor
project 9 partners from 4 European regions worked together to develop an
integrated approach for pollution with chlorinated solvents in urban
environments… Learn more
> International Conference on IPM in Museums, Archives and Historic Homes, 5 - 7June 2013, Vienna, Austria Click
here to learn more
> The Latest Technology in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry. Energy Issues and Climate Change
New Refrigerants, New European Regulations, New Plants, 7-8 June 2013, Politecnico of Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da
Vinci, 32 - Milano (Italy)… Click here to learn more
> ATMOsphere America 2013 – The Business Case for Natural Refrigerants in North, 2nd edition,
17-19 June 2013, Washington DC, USA. Learn more > http://bit.ly/X7DOEH
> Focuses on Research & Integrated Project Delivery: ASHRAE Announces Call for Papers for 2013 Annual
Conference, 22-26 June 2013, Denver, Colorado. The conference seeks papers on current research worldwide; core HVAC&R
applications and systems; and, featured for this conference, Integrated Project Design, Energy Modeling and Building Efficiency
Performance… To submit a conference paper abstract or a technical paper and for more information about the tracks >
www.ashrae.org/Denver
> Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps, Second International Conference, Bangkok, United
Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, June 29 – 30, 2013
This conference is being sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme,
the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, the United States of America, the European
Commission, and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy on the weekend following the meeting of the Montreal Protocol
Open-Ended Working Group. This event is an effort to share information and expertise on various alternatives and approaches to
ensure that the phase-outs of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are done in such a way as to limit
the climate contribution of high-global warming potential (GWP) materials.
Registration is free. Visit www.BangkokTechConference.org to learn more and to register
> AIRAH Announces the Future of HVAC 2013 Conference, Calls for Abstracts
AIRAH is calling for abstracts for The Future of HVAC 2013 Conference – to be held at the Docklands in Melbourne
over 13–14 August 2013. Learn more
> Cold Chain Forum, un forum dédié à la chaîne du froid, 23 - 24 octobre 2013, Grande Halle de la
Villette - Paris, France, www.coldchainforum.com
- 2014 > 11th IEA Heat Pump Conference The prestigious world-industry conference, organised every three years under
the auspices of the IEA Heat Pump Programme, will be held 12-16 May 2014. Montreal, Canada, The IEA Heat Pump
Programme operates... view details | are you attending?
th
> 11 Fumigants & Pheromones Conference, Pest Management Around the World, 2 - 4 June 2014, Krakow,
Poland, Click here to view the Fumigants & Pheromones - Krakow Promotional Video!!
MISCELLANEOUS >>>
> Beyond Pesticides' Tools for Change
Links to online resources and campaigns, also pest management information
The Montreal Protocol Who's Who
Learn more and nominate the Ozone Layer Protection
Champions from your country / region
http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/montrealprotocolwhoswho/PageFlip.asp
The United Nations Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP DTIE)
OzonAction Programme provides OzoNews as a free service for internal, non-commercial use by members of the
Montreal Protocol community. Since its inception in January 2000, the goal of OzoNews is to provide current news
relating to ozone depletion and the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, to stimulate discussion and promote
cooperation in support of compliance with the Montreal Protocol. With the exception of items written by UNEP and
occasional contributions solicited from other organizations, the news is sourced from on-line newspapers, journals
and websites. The views expressed in articles written by external authors are solely the viewpoints of those authors
and do not represent the policy or viewpoint of UNEP. While UNEP strives to avoid inclusion of misleading
or inaccurate information, it is ultimately the responsibility of the reader to evaluate the accuracy of any news article in
OzoNews. The citing of commercial technologies, products or services does not constitute endorsement
of those items by UNEP.
If you have questions or comments regarding any news item, please contact directly the
source indicated at the bottom of each article.
Prepared by: Samira Korban - de Gobert, OzonAction eGroup
Reviewed by: Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Head OzonAction Branch, and Saiful Ridwan, OzonAction eGroup
If you wish to submit articles, invite new subscribers, please contact:
Mrs. Samira Korban - de Gobert, Tel. (+33) 1 44.37.14.52, [email protected]
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to [email protected]
with 'unsubscribe OzoNews' as the subject.
###